DG December Message
DG MARLEE'S MESSAGE
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All the Best of this Holiday Season to you and yours! From everyone at Rotary International and especially from our Rotary District 7090 leadership team..jpg)
Congratulations on committing to lead your club next Rotary year. As our Rotary Clubs nominate and vote on who is the next year’s Club President, what a wonderful time to celebrate what your incoming club president will bring to your club.
One of Rotary’s greatest strengths is the annual changeover of leaders around the globe. Just think about it for a moment…over 34,000 clubs, right now are selecting next year’s key leadership persons. However, it is not just the clubs, 535 districts are nominating a District Governor Nominee Designate – 2 years out – training, lots of training, the 34 Zones and, of course, even our Rotary International President role is being named
Rotarians are busy people. We’ve enjoyed successes in our lives. Many of us joined Rotary because it is time to give back to your community. Fortunately, we join with a broad kit of life skill tools, some of the best being time-management, the ability to delegate and how to develop your vision into measurable goals and, perhaps the most vital, how to fire up your club to work together and stay engaged. All of these skills are transferable to the all-volunteer world of Rotary. Thank heavens!
Now the upside of that is that everyone has the skills to lead their Rotary club at some point and it is an honor to be asked to serve as club president for the upcoming year. Okay, I’ll give you that not everyone can step up all of the time, however you must understand that in volunteer organizations everyone must assume their time will come to stand as club president or to be a part of the club's board. Yes, there are also times in the life of every Rotarian when “No” is the only answer; but we know that every year should not be a “No” year. We all need to understand our turn will come…but it isn’t a solo role. All club members must assume duties throughout the year to off load, as we are all busy.
To the newly elected incoming club presidents, you have your club support, RI and your district training team and, especially the incoming District Governor Reg Madison 2017-2018. All are working hard to ensure you learn the leadership position and have the tools ensuring you a successful year. As a successful club president, develop and share your goals early, often and with all members. Together, celebrate each goal as it is achieved. It is the only way you can expect to be rated a success on June 30, 2018. Working to get the buy-in of all members will give them a focus ensuring engagement. Engaged Rotarians seldom leave. The RI President’s Presidential Citation is great basis of your goals and when you achieve it, the club is recognized.
Now having said all of this…you know Rotary International says that all president-elects must attend PETS and MDPETS training. Our District training and PETS training put in umpteen hours into ensuring your training is effective, interactive and the experience will develop Rotary friendships. A special thank you to those retread incoming presidents. Remember, only through continued club growth will this not happen in the life of a Rotary club.
Club members, you must not make accepting the role as club president a year-long sentence of drudgery. Everyone doing their part makes Rotary work and makes its fellowship fun.
On behalf of the District leadership team, congratulations and thank you for stepping up to lead your club. We appreciate your dedication to Rotary and your members. We look forward to working with you and sharing your club’s successes.